Karl Malden, who also starred in On the Waterfront, described how theatre productions featuring Brando would have to pause "for a minute and a half" after he gave a speech because of the audience's cheering.

"This is the Marlon Brando I knew," he said.

Italian actress Sophia Loren said, "Actors such as him should be immortal. He was a wonderful work companion, a person of great education, a true professional."

Actor Robert Duvall, who starred with Brando in The Godfather, paid tribute, saying: "His memory will live forever."

Native Americans have also mourned the passing of a high-profile campaigner for their cause.

Perhaps he already was immortal back then in Paris

Director Bernardo Bertolucci, on filming of Last Tango in Paris (1972)